Please Read…

Before you consider applying for a position at Guard Up, you should consider reading the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. This book will give you an accurate picture of the working environment at Guard Up. Our team is extremely dedicated, disciplined, loyal and hard-working. We have no “class distinction” at Guard Up between management, staff and instructors. You’re as likely to find the CEO taking out the garbage as you will our janitorial staff.

We are very appreciative of our employees, but we do not “motivate” them. They come with their own internal motivation. Our employees regularly arrive early and work late. This is not the exception… it is the standard.

The sense of camaraderie at Guard Up is high. We often socialize together, throw parties and share hobbies. We are a diverse community with people from a variety of lifestyles, ethnicities, religions and abilities. And we are protective of this diversity.

Please do not apply if you think this may be a “cool thing to try out.” We want people who are interested in a future with our company. We are looking for long-term employees who are proactive, flexible, can see opportunity, and are interested in a career. If you feel that this type of environment is one in which you can thrive, then consider our job openings. We look forward to talking with you.

Job Openings:

Course Instructor

Guard Up! Family Swordsmanship is looking for energetic, goal-oriented, team players. Part time, entry-level position for candidate with a strong sense of teamwork and a responsible work ethic . Experience (and a passion for) working with children required. No experience in swordsmanship necessary. We will train you. Weekends and reliable transportation required. Our company has a great deal of upward mobility for people who wish to pursue higher level career options. $10/hr to start plus quarterly profit sharing as well as paid meetings, paid training and even paid time for curriculum development. Offsite classes provide paid travel as well as mileage reimbursement. Classes also have Equipment and Training Budgets for continuing instructor education. No commissions. Must love families and kids. Previous experience working with Special Needs is a plus. All applicants must submit to a SORI and CORI (criminal background) check. All applicants must also pass their annual CPR and First Aid certifications. Fill out form below to submit your resume.

Fencing Instructors

Guard Up is currently looking for foil fencers who love to teach kids, teens and adults. Previous coaching experience is not necessary – but previous fencing experience is. Our greatest need is for instructors who have previous experience working with children in any capacity (not necessarily as a fencing coach) and are interested in professional growth as an educator/coach. Important: Must have your own car and be available for hours on some weekday evenings and between 1-6pm on Saturdays. Compensation is $15-$20/hr depending on experience and whether or not you have certifications. All applicants must submit to a SORI and CORI (criminal background) check. All applicants must also pass their annual CPR and First Aid certifications. Please submit resume and cover letter via form below.

Historic Weapons Instructors

Guard Up  is looking for an Historic Weapons Instructor for classes and demonstrations beginning immediately and continuing year round.  The position of instructor for classes requires the base ability to entertain and maintain control of up to 15 students for 1 hour to 1.5 hours in a closed room environment. The duties of an offsite instructor require a car (we are not near public transit) following a base script in costume and packing/returning weapons for the demonstrations. Pay rate is $10-$20/hr depending on experience, training, and coaching ability.

Other Responsibilities and Expectations Include:

- Experienced, knowledgeable and able to teach multiple types of bladed weapons (history, background knowledge, and use)
- Proficient with at least two non-bladed weapons (preference for first is staff)
- Comfortable instructing classes up to 15 students
- Comfortable speaking to large groups (up to 100) about the history and background of different weapon styles
- Willingness to use or proficiency in Positive Coaching philosophies (for specific information look into the “Double-Goal Coach” and the Positive Coaching Alliance)
- Reliable car and good driving record for offsite demonstrations
- Experience using/working with (or willingness to learn and work with) foam weapons as a training tool and safe open sparring weapon
- Experience working with children and adults
- Sport Fencing experience may result in some additional hours if desired

Interns

Guard Up also has many unpaid positions open for Interns who would like to gain work experience while enjoying the benefits of free membership and training, staff retail discounts and possible future employment:

• Website Development (particularly those proficient in WordPress)
• Advertising Design and/or Advertising Copy
• Photography and/or Videography
• Office Assistant
• Facility Maintenance

Before filling out this form:

We are certainly interested in your previous experience with theater arts, roleplaying and other skills… but the most important skill of all is your ability to work with children and teens. Please make sure to include a full history of your experience working with kids including children with special needs or work history with summer camp jobs, mentor programs, teaching, etc.

Guard Up also has summer camp positions such as the following:

Waterfront Director

Purpose: to further the mission of the camp through the planning and delivery of activities at the camp’s waterfront that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the camper’s age and abilities. Provide management to the physical operation of the waterfront’s facilities and equipment.
Essential Job Functions include:

1. Plan, direct, and supervise a safe and fun waterfront program
2. Train and supervise waterfront staff
3. Manage the physical facilities and equipment in the waterfront program area
4. Participate as a member of the camp management team to plan, direct, and supervise evening programs, special events and other all-camp activities and camp functions

Qualifications (Minimum qualifications and experience):

• Must be 23 years of age or older
• Must have held lifeguard certification for a minimum of three years.
• Previous experience in camping.
• Current certification in first aid and CPR.
• Current Lifeguard trainer certification preferred.
• Prior experience in the development and delivery of recreational programs.
• Experience in supervising others especially peers is desirable.

Compensation based upon experience, $2500 – $3000 for six weeks (July and first two weeks of August). To apply, please fill out form here: Summer Camp Waterfront Director Job Opening

Summer Camp Assistant Logistics Coordinator

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage and coordinate all plot-related activities
• Coordinate with the Camp Directors and other management staff
• Coordinate with Costume and Makeup Departments
• Communicate constantly and effectively with all active staff
• Support camp transitions (meals, staff breaks, etc.) and any emergency situations
• Run post-event debriefs and document results
• Ascertain equipment and supply needs
• Manage and direct teenage assistant staff

Qualifications:

• Extremely detail oriented
• Must be able to manage multiple objectives that constantly shift in priorities
• Strong organizational skills
• Computer literate
• Strong typing skills
• Strong writing skills
• Exceptional speaking and enunciation skills
• Candidates must be age 18 or over
• Must be available for trainings & meetings before and after camp is in session
• Must be available for camp set-up & break-down before and after camp is in session
• Onsite Availability is required from July 4 – August 14
• Experience working with children preferred, working with teens required
• Stage managers, assistant stage managers, artistic directors, technical directors encouraged to apply
  All candidates must submit to a CORI (criminal) and SORI (sexual offender) Background Check, intensive screening, and reference check.

Compensation:
$2200 – $2700 (Depending on Experience) for summer season (6 weeks as well as the pre-training preparation period) plus free room and board.  To apply, please fill out form here: Summer Camp Logistics Assistant Job Opening

Summer Camp Counselors

The best candidates are:

• Age 18 and over with experience working with kids of various ages. Teachers and childcare professionals are stongly encouraged to apply.
• People who love teaching in a positive learning environment and who have afternoons or weekends available.
• Residential/Overnight and Day Camp Counselors who have background in theater or acting
• Coaches, Teachers, Instructors or Group Leaders who are passionate about working with kids, but may not have experience in our particular activities

References required.

Summer Camp Overnight Counselor positions pay is $2000 – $2500 (depending on experience and schedule) for 6 weeks plus room and board (includes paid training).

Summer Camp Quest Counselor positions pay is up to  $1700 (depending on experience and schedule) for 6 weeks plus lunch (includes paid training).

Summer Day/Quest Camp hours are 9am-4pm (or as early as 7am and as late as 6pm) for up to 6 weeks. Residential/Overnight Summer Camp is 6 weeks with one or two days off each week.

The best candidates for Guard Up Youth Instructors are energetic, creative, safety conscious, flexible and interested in modern teaching methodologies. No experience in swordsmanship or fencing is necessary. We will train you.

Before filling out this form: We are certainly interested in your previous experience with theater arts, roleplaying and other skills… but the most important skill of all is your ability to work with children and teens. Please make sure to include a full history of your experience working with kids including children with special needs or work history with summer camp jobs, mentor programs, teaching, etc.

To apply, please fill out form here: Summer Camp Counselor Job Openings